Newton Cultural Alliance Plans to Restore Historic Home, Create Community Arts Center

The Newton Cultural Alliance has acquired the historic Nathaniel Allen House and plans to create a "collaborative educational and community center for arts and culture."

The following is an edited press release issued by the Newton Cultural Alliance: Thomas B. Concannon, president of the Newton Cultural Alliance ("NCA"), announced on [Friday, Nov. 30] that after months of negotiations, the NCA has acquired the historic Nathaniel Allen School and House located at 35 Webster Street in West Newton. This grand and gracious historic property, which dates back to 1841, was one of the most progressive educational institutions in the United States at the time. Nathaniel Allen was an early abolitionist and the Nathaniel Allen School was one of the first racially integrated schools in the nation. It offered professional teacher education, taught boys and girls together, attracted an international student body, and …

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Newton Centre Businesses Join Forces for Arts Stroll & Shop

A list of local businesses participating in this year's Arts Stroll & Shop, and why some have decided to come on board.

There are a many reasons why Newton Centre businesses are participating in this year's Arts Stroll & Shop, but there is one common theme that seems to run through all of them: community.  "We love Newton and we're so happy to be here and to be a part of this community," says Pure Barre Newton Owner Rachel Roberts. "There are some businesses that have been here for a really long time and hopefully we'll be one of them. Participating in events like this only make that bond stronger." The second annual Arts Stroll & Shop will take place this Sunday, Dec. 2 from noon - 6 p.m.  Pure Barre is one of 40 businesses who have signed on to participate in this year's Arts Stroll & Shop in Newton Centre. The barre technique fitness studio, which is …

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MAP: Second Annual Arts Stroll & Shop in Newton Centre

The Arts Stroll & Shop will take place this Sunday, Dec. 2 from noon - 6 p.m. Check out the map below on your smartphone/tablet or print it out to take with you. (Map updated on Nov. 29).

Are you ready to stroll and shop? Newton businesses, restaurants and arts organizations are coming together for the Newton Cultural Alliance's Second Annual Arts Stroll & Shop in Newton Centre.  The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 2 from noon - 6 p.m. and will transform Newton Centre into a "vintage main street" where residents can enjoy a bit of holiday shopping, dining, music and local art. According to Newton Cultural Alliance (NCA) Program Director Kara Robbins, the NCA is expecting as many as 40 businesses and at least 100 artists and musicians to join the Stroll & Shop festivities this year.  A full list of participating businesses and restaurants is available on the NCA website. And check out the map above for more details on …

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Local Businesses, Restaurants, Artists Lined up for Second Annual 'Arts Stroll & Shop'

The Newton Cultural Alliance has teamed up with the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce, the city of Newton and Birthday Wishes for this year's "Shop local, eat local, art local" event.

Newton businesses, restaurants and arts organizations are teaming up to promote all things local for the Newton Cultural Alliance's Second Annual Arts Stroll & Shop in Newton Centre.  The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 2 from noon - 6 p.m. and will transform Newton Centre into a "vintage main street" where residents can enjoy a bit of holiday shopping, dining, music and local art. According to Newton Cultural Alliance (NCA) Program Director Kara Robbins, the NCA is expecting as many as 40 businesses and at least 100 artists and musicians to join the Stroll & Shop festivities this year.  As of this week, more than two dozen retail shops and restaurants are already lined up to participate in the event, according to the NCA's website. …

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PHOTOS: Music, Art and Holiday Cheer Fill Newton Centre

Many local musicians, artists, shops and restaurants took part in the first-ever Arts Stroll & Shop on Thurs., Dec. 8 sponsored by the Newton Cultural Alliance.

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"Shop Local, Eat Local, Art Local" this Thursday in Newton Centre

The Newton Cultural Alliance is hosting the first-ever Arts Stroll & Shop this Thursday, Dec. 8.

Following the recent launch of its Culture 'n Cuisine program, the Newton Cultural Alliance (NCA) is ready to present another partnership of Newton culture and local businesses. This Thursday, residents are invited to spend a night out in Newton Centre during the NCA's first-ever Arts Stroll & Shop. The event, which kicks off at 5 p.m., will celebrate and support the Newton community by bringing together local art, music, food and retail.  "The Arts Stroll & Shop is a way to combine both our artist communities and business communities while encouraging residents to shop local, eat local and art local," says Kara Robbins, program director for the NCA. During the event, Newton Centre businesses will extend business hours to 9 p.m., allowing …

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"Dine at a Discount" with the Newton Cultural Alliance

The Newton Cultural Alliance is launching a new "Culture 'n Cuisine" program that allows foodies and art fans to receive discounts at local restaurants.

Tired of the same old dinner and a movie date night? Try tossing some fine art, music and theatre into the mix.  The Newton Cultural Alliance (NCA) is partnering with the city to offer a new "Culture 'n Cuisine" program with local restaurants. The program, which will hold an official kick-off celebration next week, gives discounts to diners who attend events or programs with one of the many members of the NCA.  In an email invitation sent earlier this week, the NCA announced that it is holding a kick-off celebration for the new program at City Hall on Fri., November 18. The event will be held on the second floor and starts at 8 a.m.  When a patron attends an event at one of the NCA organizations, he/she receives a coupon for 10 percent off…

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Arts Group Looks at Strength in Numbers

The Newton Cultural Alliance looks to join arts groups in Newton to better promote culture within the city.

Newton arts groups used to be on their own in attracting  an audience--but that has all changed. The Newton Cultural Alliance, an umbrella  organization of 16 Newton theater, art and music groups, is spearheading an effort to promote and build awareness of arts in the city. The ultimate dream of the NCA is to have a permanent cultural and performance facility in Newton, and part of that effort will involve fostering ties with businesses in cooperative ventures, according to board member and State Rep. Kay Khan (D-Newton). "We can give them some muscle they don't have individually," said former mayor Tom Concannon, chairman of the NCA.  Newton Alderman Vicki Danberg--who also sits on the NCA Board of Directors-- echoed Concannon's …

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What's Happening

Five Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 2

The holiday season officially kicks off tonight in Newton with the Holiday Lighting Celebration at City Hall.

Tonight the city will officially kick of the holiday season with its annual Holiday Lighting Celebration at City Hall. The event, which begins at 4 p.m., will include a community sing-a-long with world renowned song leader Nick Page. Another community meeting and discussion will be held tonight on the "Envisioning Needham Street" project. Poster displays will be up for the public starting at 6:30 p.m. along with refreshments. The presentation, which will be held in room 209 at City Hall, begins at 7 p.m. MIT students will give their final recommendations for the busy commercial area.  The Angino Farm Commission will hold its monthly meeting tonight at 7 p.m. in room 203 of City Hall.  The Jackson Homestead and Museum will host a …

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